Dr. James Whitfield

Kids

Weekly With Whitfield – Conflicted

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This week has been filled with conflicting emotions. Generally, it’s been positive and productive. But I’d be lying if I told you positivity stayed throughout the week. Thankfully, joy has outweighed pain, but as I searched for what to write about today I’ve been very, very conflicted.

Family Pool Days

We had the chance to have a backyard full of friends and family this past Sunday afternoon. I spent the day sweltering over the grill in the 100 plus degree Texas heat. But, man, was it worth it. In the hustle and bustle of daily life it is hard to nail down the whole extended family but, on this day, we did. Through my sweat-stinging eyes, I looked around that backyard and just took it in. I didn’t even get any pictures, that’s how tuned in I was. Like so many things of beauty, the image captured in real life – in the moment – is so much more powerful than any picture. The pictures simply don’t do it justice. My heart was filled with so much pride, joy, and contentment. 

Processing Loss

We are still reeling over the loss of our dear friend, Kim. Over the course of the last two weeks we’ve cycled through the stages of grief many times. While our faith is very strong, our human nature still kicks in from time to time. We try to make sense of something so tragic – something we’ll never be able to do. Then, we have moments of remembrance and joy that seem to push back the pain. And, soon thereafter, moments of anger well up in our souls. To anyone out there experiencing such loss, I hope you know that whatever you’re feeling is completely normal. Don’t beat yourself up as you navigate the emotions that come with these tragedies that crop up in your life. Allow yourself to feel in order to heal.

Ahead to New Beginnings

I can see light at the end of the tunnel. While we’re still engaged in a form of litigation, one chapter of that sage comes to a close next Tuesday. While the last couple years have been some of the hardest in my life, I am still encouraged by the road ahead. I am so grateful for all the love, support, and encouragement that so many people extended our family throughout this time. I’ll never forget your kindness. My faith tells me that this road has prepared me for something far greater than I could ever imagine – such has been the case for my entire life. I’m excited to see what God’s hands will lay out for our family in the days to come. And I vow to give my very best to glorify His name through it all.

Wedding Bells

I get to officiate my first wedding this weekend in beautiful Cancun, Mexico.

That’s right, your boy is officially an ordained minister.

I’m so honored that my sister-in-law, my wife’s twin sister, Sandy, and her fiancé, Ricardo, have asked me to be part of their special day in such a way. My heart is so happy that they have found each other. 

Sandy is so much more than an “in-law” to me – she is the sister I never had and I love her dearly. To witness her pure joy and happiness means the world to me. As she will attest, I am very protective of her. She is a phenomenal human and deserves nothing but the very best in life. And, in Ricardo, I can see that she has found that. 

The same goes to Ricardo – he is such a wonderful human with a heart of gold, deserving of the very best in life. And, with Sandy, he’s found that. I’m so excited for them to begin this journey together. 

Rollercoaster of Life

Y’all, isn’t that real life? It’s never really in a straight line. Each day can carry its own unique opportunities and feelings. But I think it is key for us to remember to stand in each of those moments, granting us the space to simply be. So, while this week has been a bit more conflicting than normal…such is life. Understand that life brings with it conflicting emotions and contradictions, but you were made for these moments. We’re not guaranteed that this thing will be smooth and scripted. And, quite honestly, I’m glad…because that would be a pretty boring existence. Feel the pain, but don’t get stuck in it. Embrace the joy and don’t be afraid to share it with others. Love yourself and grant yourself the grace to be.

Weekly With Whitfield – Serendipity

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The story of my life is filled with many twists and turns – unbelievable highs and devastating lows. But, through it all, God has revealed a power and purpose deeper than I could ever imagine. By no means am I suggesting that it’s been easy. Far from it. The journey has been incredibly challenging. That said, each passing day reminds me just how fortunate I am for every bit of it – the good, the bad, and the ugly – and how it has shaped the husband, father, and community partner I aspire to be.

The last couple years have been quite heavy for our family. We have felt every emotion imaginable, but we have maintained our strength and resolve throughout. We draw that strength in a multitude of ways. But this week I was reminded, on several occasions, of one of those sources of strength that has been sustaining, encouraging, affirming and validating. And that is the many serendipitous encounters with a wide range of individuals. With each passing week I am uplifted by these serendipitous moments – moments that seem to hit right on time even if I didn’t know or feel it.

For Kids

Some of the most powerful moments come directly from the many former students. Without fail, these tend to come in moments where I may be feeling the lowest. It could be a student I had back in my 9th grade World Geography class, a player I coached, or one of the many students I served as a school administrator. With each encounter I am left with a great sense of joy and purpose-filled. Ultimately, they are why I do what I do and to have so many who have been so gracious to say hello, express their gratitude and share about what’s going on in their lives means the world to me. 

The “Dark Side”

As I entered education I was solely focused on being a classroom teacher and a basketball coach. Never, in a million years, did I imagine I’d take this journey into school administration. I remember when I made the decision to jump into school administration, one of my teaching colleagues said “oh no, James. Don’t go to the dark side!” But as time went on, and I continued my education, I began to see huge gaps in what was being asked of teachers and actions of administrators – why this stellar educator would view administration as “the dark side”. In the classroom, teachers are encouraged to engage their students but I saw little to no true engagement from administrators to teachers. Compliance seemed to be held above engagement and I saw the impact that had on many of my colleagues. 

So I committed to do this work as a school leader in a different way – in a way that uplifts, engages, encourages, celebrates, values, trusts, connects, and empowers educators to bring their full and authentic selves to school each day to do the most important work on the planet – educating the hearts and minds of our young people. Along the way I’ve learned from, and grown with, so many phenomenal educators. By no means do I claim to have it all figured out. In this work, as in life, when you think you’ve got it all figured, rest assured, something will come along and humble you. Instead, I continually seek opportunities to reflect, learn, and grow in my leadership journey.

Be Impeccable with Your Word

And, sometimes, that journey of reflection and growth can come with a seedy dose of self-doubt. Our minds are one of the most powerful tools in the universe. In his best-seller, The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz discusses being “impeccable with your word”. At its core, this agreement acknowledges the immense creative power of language, acknowledging that our words can either uplift and inspire or inflict wounds and perpetuate suffering. So often, we tend to think about how our words can hurt others. But I want to give a nudge for us to consider how negative self-talk can actually be more harmful than anything we’d ever dare say to another person.

Being impeccable with our word begins within. It calls for self-awareness and a commitment to authenticity. We must find strategies and mechanisms to avoid self-deception or negative self-talk. By using our words and thoughts in a spirit of self-love, we cultivate a positive self-image and strengthen our personal integrity. Believe me, I get it…easier said than done. But that brings me to serendipity.

Serendipitous Encounters: Renewal, Encouragement, and Gratitude

Just as I’ve run into countless former students over the course of my career, I’ve encountered many former educators I’ve served as an administrator. These encounters always leave me feeling renewed, refreshed, and encouraged for our profession. Strangely enough, whether or not I know it heading into these encounters, I leave thinking “that was right on time”. I am so very grateful for the many people out there who take the time from what they’re doing to stop and say “hello”, lend a kind, supportive word, or share some anecdote of how you may have played even a small role in their journey as an educator. It is the ultimate data point for me, as this work is about the people.

Serendipitous Encounters with New Friends and Allies

Over the last couple of years, as my story has played out in local and national media, that circle of educators, parents/guardians, and youth has expanded. With each passing week there’s some sort of serendipitous encounter with someone in one of these groups. From social media messages to emails to chance encounters in public spaces – each interaction stokes my passion and purpose to press on even in the midst of such chaotic and turbulent times. 

One such encounter happened just the other day as our family was out to eat with friends. As I walked to the bar to order a drink for my wife and I, there stood a person ready to greet me with a big smile and an extended hand. As we shook hands they said “Dr. Whitfield, right?” I responded, jokingly, “you got me”, as I lifted my hat to expose my shiny, bald head. After a brief chuckle they went on to share that they’re a principal in a nearby district and just wanted to say hello and let me know how much they support who I am and what I stand for. 

As I thanked them for their kind words they went on to share a bit more background saying, “and I want you to know that my appreciation and admiration goes deeper than all this foolishness that’s been thrown at you and how you’ve handled it with such grace. Actually, I was an assistant principal at a local school when COVID struck. And you were the principal of one of our teachers’ kids. She came in and showed me the videos you were making for the students, staff, and community and I thought ‘that’s some good stuff – I need to follow that dude’, and I have followed your journey ever since.”

They added, “So just know that, for so many, you were, and are, a model for what true leadership should and could look like even before all this came your way.”

Accepting Your Flowers – Appreciation

I’ll just say it – I am terrible at accepting compliments, but have gotten better over the course of time. In full transparency – it was hard to even type the above paragraph because I, in no way, want to self-aggrandize. But my journey has taught me that it’s important to acknowledge and accept these kind sentiments. Doing so shows appreciation to the person who made the effort to share. Additionally, it becomes a powerful tool for being impeccable with my word, allowing myself the opportunity to practice self-love and appreciation.

Gratitude, Purpose, and the Power to Move Forward

This was one of several serendipitous moments that happened over the course of this past week, and each was accepted with deep gratitude. These moments happen to each of us in different ways throughout the course of our busy lives. Sometimes in the form of small whispers. Other times in thunderous applause. Each with the capacity to nudge us along our paths, which can often be mired in the vast complexities of our daily lives. And, while they may not know it right now, I have faith that those reading these words may soon have that moment of serendipity that reinforces their purpose, passion, or simply their will to be. It’s coming. The universe is sending it your way. Listen and/or watch for it. When you hear it and/or see it, embrace it. Then use that serendipitous power to propel you as you move forward. 

Weekly With Whitfield – Why

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Quite often I get the opportunity to speak to educators. I love discussing how to create dynamic, engaging learning environments for the kids they serve each day. I’ve had the honor of speaking to district leaders, campus administrators, classroom teachers and support staff, and everyone in between who help create these spaces for our youth. It is truly one of my favorite things to do. It ignites a fire deep within my soul. 

The Palpable Force of Education: The Unique Power of Schools to Transform Lives and Communities

Every time I leave the presence of one of these audiences I’m left feeling a bit better about the state of the world. I’m reminded of the unique power that lies within the walls of our schools each day:

The power of the chance we get each day to help shift the trajectory of student’s lives in positive ways.

The power to create an environment where young people feel seen, heard, valued, and loved. 

The power to draw out the unique genius that lies within each child. 

The power to change communities for the better. 

The power to facilitate learning that fosters critical thinking, inquiry, respectful dialogue, and a growth mindset.

The power to take the most broken and make them feel more whole. 

The force that exists in our schools is palpable. And that force changed the course of my life. It’s why I do what I do. Each time I’m blessed with the opportunity to address educators I try to take a moment to draw back to their why. 

Balancing Realism and Inspiration: The Role of “Remembering Your Why” in Navigating the Challenges of Education

I’ll stop here and say that I’m not a big fan of toxic positivity. Just telling educators to “remember their why” in the face of so much of the nonsense they face without taking meaningful action to address said nonsense, or providing practical tools to combat it, is not helpful. Quite the contrary. But I do believe that there are moments throughout our journey through this multifaceted profession that our ability to press pause and remember our why can be quite helpful in the moment. They sustain us through some of the passing challenges that come with walking through the schoolhouse doors each day.

This week I was reminded of my why in some very subtle ways.

The Importance of Mentors in Education: Reflections on Career Growth and Staying Hyper-Focused on Your Why

I had lunch with one of my amazing mentors, whose served as a district-level administrator in the area for some time. This is the same person who had a hand in encouraging me to pursue a doctorate in educational leadership nearly a decade ago when I was just beginning my administrative career. She saw something in me, then. And now, after all these years, here we are still discussing how on earth we’re going to solve the challenges facing public education. 

It was great to hear her speak of her why that carried her through her career, to retirement, and continued advocacy post-retirement. Ultimately, it was her local public school that changed the course of her life. And that prompted her to dedicate her life to the service of young people. It’s great to have people you can call on to reset your focus. Especially at the speed at which life is coming at us these days. We need people to help us slow down, breathe, consider things that we may not have, otherwise, and remind us that, beyond the noise, lies your why – the reason you care so much about what you do. 

The Power of Personal Connection: Building Relational Capacity with Students and Colleagues

Additionally, sometimes the reminders come directly from those you’ve been called to serve. For me, there is no greater gift than an affirmation from a former student or colleague who, in some way, I may have made the slightest difference. I live in the community that I’ve served for the last two decades and, rarely, does a week pass that I don’t have an encounter with an individual who falls into one of these categories.

It’s really quite amazing. It could be a student that I had in my first 9th grade World Geography class back in 2005 and I’ll still remember their name. That’s always been a critical component to building relational capacity with those I serve. I don’t just want to know everyone’s name by the end of the year or first semester. I want to know them in the first weeks of school. And I put intentional time and energy into that task. And not just knowing their name, but understanding how to pronounce their name; understanding unique things about the person beyond their name.

They May Forget What You Said, But They’ll Never Forget the Way You Made Them Feel

Every so often a meme goes around on social media about educators who’ve made an impact in students’ lives and I’ll have a former student tag me in it. This week, there was one that had a sticky not that read:

“Every Adult Remembers Their Favorite Teacher” 

I felt honored that someone out there thought enough of me. I responded with my gratitude and expressed how proud I was of this particular student. And this was her response:

Similarly, another student chimed in:

Again, I expressed my gratitude for such kind thoughts, let her how honored I was to have been her teacher, and affirmed the light that she shined then, and now, as an adult.

 – Yes, I’m at that age where I’m beginning to see that I could be in a school with children of former students – WOW! – 

As I read these beautiful reflections I paused. I reflected on the thousands of students I’ve had the opportunity to serve over the course of the last two decades. My goal coming into the world of education was to help guide young people through some of the most difficult moments of their life, equipping them with skills, tools, and resources to learn and grow into the best versions of themselves. In a nutshell, that’s what a handful of teachers did for me. And that’s largely why I chose the profession.

Talk about watery eyes as I received those verbal flowers. It’s been years since I’ve crossed paths with these students, but I can remember their light, as well. Unquestionably, the feeling is reciprocated. My life has been so greatly enriched by the students I’ve served through the years. Although I was the “adult” in the space and had my own lived experiences, I learned so much from them. And I’m forever grateful for each of them. 

Nurturing Your Passion: The Importance of Reconnecting with Your Why in Teaching

Teaching is, for me, one of the most noble professions. Educators play such a multifaceted and crucial role in shaping the future of our society. One must not underestimate the pressures that accompany this unique role. The constant demands and weighty responsibilities can easily lead to exhaustion, burnout, and despair. Thus, educators must frequently take the necessary measures to safeguard their mental and emotional health.

In such a scenario, remembering your purpose, the reason that compelled you to pursue this calling, serves as a guiding light. Reflection upon your why enables you to remain attuned to the aspects of the profession that offer contentment and gratification. By doing so, this helps stave off burnout and sustain your drive and passion for teaching throughout your journey.

Beyond these chance encounters, One way I reconnect with my why from time to time is to go through one of my “smile boxes”.  If a student has ever taken the time to write me a kind note, draw me a picture, etc, it’s in one of these boxes. Every so often, when I may be feeling a bit down, I pull out one of these boxes. Each represents a different point along my career journey from teacher to administrator to educational consultant. While I may have opened that box feeling down, it doesn’t take long for those feelings of goodness to wash over me in a wave of positive emotions. If you don’t have a “smilebox”, I’d highly recommend having one. This small action will uplift your spirits and remind you of the difference you make each day. The why shines through crystal clear as you turn the pages.

Still A Ways to Go – But You Got This

By no means do I write this to say that I’m the world’s best educator. That’s a far stretch. I’m far from perfect. But one thing that has always been perfect and pure is my love for young people – my desire to make them feel seen, heard, valued, and loved, my desire to create spaces where they are free to be themselves…where they can learn, grow, and discover opportunities that they may have never known. And in a moment, this week, I was reminded by the people who matter most in this profession – the students.

In the end, it’s important to remember that teaching is a challenging profession. And it’s okay to feel burnt out or overwhelmed at times. It’s natural. And, really, that goes for any profession. However, reconnecting with your why can help you stay motivated and inspired, even during the darkest of days.

 

Impact Educator of the Week

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There are certain people who, the moment you’re in their presence, you feel the most pure joy. They exude a positive aura that is simply contagious.

I’d like you to meet Mrs. Robinson.

As we approach a full year since we transferred Landon to our neighborhood school, I wanted to take a minute to highlight just how much of a difference one can make.

As many of you may remember, this time last year was tough – very tough. The normal we’d known was gone. Our days looked very different. Landon has always been my little sidekick, but during this tim he clung to my side even tighter. While he didn’t know the extent of what was happening, he knew something wasn’t quite right. But we pressed on.

As we transitioned to his new school, I’d walk with him each morning – one of the silver linings of the moment. Every morning, at the crosswalk to enter school, there stood a woman with an energy that was off the charts. She knew every kid’s name. She offered a hi-five or a fist bump to each student and shared how happy she was to see them each morning. Rain or shine, she was there. I remember thinking ‘surely she’s not this happy every morning’ – she’d prove me wrong. She was. Pure joy and positive energy every morning. Consistent and persistent with the joy!

Now, if you know Landon, you know he’s a pretty reserved little guy…until you really get to know him. Initially, he seems quiet and shy, but once he lets you in, you see the funny, silly, bright, and lovable little dude he is.

We started this school right after Thanksgiving break of 2021. Despite my numerous pleads with Landon, he’d merely walk right by Mrs. Robinson most days, giving her a head nod, at most. I’d give Mrs. Robinson a look that signaled ’I promise he’s not rude’. She’d just smile and say “it’s okay. I’ll get to him.” And she persisted. Every single day. Her love and joy for Landon and every single kid, no matter their response, was evident each morning.

Fast forward to early in the spring of the 21-22 school year. Landon, without a prompt from me, walks up and gives Mrs. Robinson the biggest hi-five followed by a “Good morning, Mrs. Robinson!” I was shocked. After responding, “Good morning, Landon! Have a wonderful day!”, Mrs. Robinson simply looked over my way and winked as she held her post in the middle of the drive. I told her “thank you for not giving up on him.” To which she responded, “oh, I never give up. I always get em”, with the biggest smile on her face. I walked back home, heart full, knowing someone like her was there for my little guy each day.

Persistence. Consistency. Refusing to allow a single kid to fall through the cracks. Ensuring my kid, and every single kid, feels visible before they even enter the building each day.

To every Mrs. Robinson out there – THANK YOU! Thank you for your willingness to spread joy. Thank you for your consistency and unwavering commitment to ensuring all students feel like school is a safe and welcoming place. Your presence is greater than any program can offer. There’s no way to truly quantify the impact you’ve made in countless young people’s lives. Thank you for being you!

If you’ve encountered a Mrs. Robinson in your school experience or with your own student, I’d love to hear about them. Drop them some love in the comments. And, if nothing else, please be sure to reach out and let them know the extent of your love and gratitude for their presence in your life.

Thank you, Mrs. Robinson! We love you!

Mrs. Robinson